Flight Deck Design Methodology Using Computerized Anthropometric Models

This paper describes a computer-aided methodology for the “inside-out” design of aircraft flight decks, using the pilot as the starting point. The procedure, which overcomes many of the limitations of traditional two-dimensional drawings, mannequins, scale models, and mockups, employs several computer models simulating varying pilot size, reach, and vision capabilities of the population specified to fly the aircraft. These models are used to generate the required “envelopes” of vision, reach, and motion for the entire range of pilot sizes and proportions, which are then used to define the internal geometric relationships of the flight deck and its components. Through the graphical output of a computer-aided design and drafting system, this methodology produces a three-dimensional representation of the geometric space required by the entire range of pilots, determines the allowance necessary for seat and control adjustment, and describes those volumes where controls, displays, and other components may be placed.